Viral Meningitis

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Pathophysiology: Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining that covers the brain and spinal cord. The pathogenesis of each family of viruses that causes viral meningitis varies. It is uncommon complication of common systemic infections. In children some studies shows learning disabilities, neuromuscular impairments (ie, mild paresis or loss of coordination), and deafness to viral meningitis. Communicating hydrocephalus is a rare complication of viral meningitis.

Disease Statistics: Worldwide causes of viral meningitis include enteroviruses, mumps virus, measles virus, VZV, and HIV. Studies in Finland have estimated the incidence to be 19 per 100,000 populations in children aged 1-4 years.

Treatment: For most of the cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Mostly people completely recover on their own within 7 to 10 days. However disease from certain viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza requires treatment with an antiviral medication. Antibiotics are useful only in cases of bacterial meningitis.

Research: University of Oulu, Finland is one the primary institutes in the nation working on viral meningitis.

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